Power and Protest in Central and Eastern Europe

“This important book offers a detailed tapestry of protest and struggle in Central and Eastern Europe on issues ranging from the rights of women and minorities, the environment, social justice, and, above all, resistance to authoritarian drift and democratic backsliding. Essential reading for students of Central and Eastern Europe and of social movements”. — Mary Kaldor, Professor Emeritus of Global Governance, LSE “A compelling and exhaustive presentation of the most recent research on contentious politics in Central and Eastern Europe. An excellent cast of authors examine protest politics in the region. An indispensable source for every comparativist interested in the role of protest in politics, particularly in democratisation and de-democratisation”. — Jan Kubik, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Politics, Rutgers Univeristy “This comprehensive volume contributes to filling a wide gap in research. It analyses the role of protest movements in the power configurations of Central and Eastern Europe during the last three decades. Moreover, it sheds light on similarities and differences regarding challenges to democracy, socio-economic transformations, and conditions and effects of protest mobilisation.”. —Dieter Rucht, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, WZB This book offers a detailed overview of the politics of contemporary social movements in Central and Eastern Europe. The analysis of 11 countries reveals the relevance of protest events, social movements, and civil society in shaping democratic transition and consolidation, electoral politics and institutions, socio-economic policies, and geopolitical orientation. This volume shows how power structures and government institutions respond to civic mobilisations and protests, using diverse tactics ranging from co-option to repression and how protests and mobilisations became consequential in the region's politics. Claudiu Craciun is Lecturer in European Politics at the National University of Political Studies and Administration in Bucharest, Romania. Henry Rammelt is Associate Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the National University of Political Studies and Administration in Bucharest, Romania.